REDBRIDGE Police's new anti-burglary chief has called for a hardening of attitudes in the community against criminals, as two men prepare to appear in court charged with raiding homes in the borough.

Detective Inspector Phil Davies said all crooks in the Redbridge would get caught eventually, and that police were working to tackle the borough's rising burglary rate.

Figures from the Met have revealed that raids on homes in the borough have increased by 18 per cent over the last year.

Detective Davies said: "My message to burglars is that at some point you will get caught, and this is likely to result in a prison sentence.

"If you like prison life we'll do our best to accommodate you.

"I urge any offender to review their lifestyle and at the very least consider the effect it might have or might be having on your families and friends.

"There are support networks in place if the offending is linked to drugs or debt. Step up to responsibility and step out of crime.

"Let’s harden our community against these thieves. They are not welcome in Redbridge."

Police have announced that Kevin Coughlan, 24, of Carr Street in Poplar, has been charged over two home burglaries in Gants Hill.

Said Ahmed, 21, of Blacktorn Road in Ilford, is also charged over a separate raid on a home in Loxford Park on July 5.